From the time Creighton started playing men’s basketball (1916-1917) through the 1959-1960 season, the Bluejays called the Vinardi Center home. CU went 336-92 in 42 seasons in the on-campus gym, which now stands as home to the basketball practice facility.
Each week of the Creighton men’s basketball season, WBR will catch up with a Creighton coach to report about practice and the state of the program.
This week, we speak with CU head coach Greg McDermott.
Creighton Head Coach Greg McDermott (Streur/WBR)
White & Blue Review: How has the first full week of practice gone?
Greg McDermott: It has been intense. I have been pleased with the progress, but it has been intense.
WBR: How have the new guys come along during this first week?
GM: The Bahamas trip was a huge benefit for them and our team as a whole, as they were able to get a taste of what to expect. There is a big jump in the pace of the game and understanding of the plays when you get to Division I basketball, but I think our trip really put them ahead of the curve.
The first week [of fall practice] is always the hardest, and that is what I tell the new guys. This will be the toughest week they have here. There are two-a-days and days we go long. It can be taxing mentally and physically, but they will react better as time goes on. They will adjust.
WBR: Gregory Echenique and Doug McDermott were able to represent their national teams this summer and gain some international experience. What have their experiences brought to the team?
GM: The biggest thing I have seen has been the boost in their confidence. Those two were going against some top competition. In Greg’s case, he was up against some of the best in NBA talent. When you go against guys of that caliber and have success, it really builds confidence in your game.
WBR: There are some expectations coming from fans and the league this season as you were recently picked to finish first in the preseason conference polls. How do you and the team handle high expectations like these?
GM: It really comes down to what takes place on the practice floor. People put you at the top for a reason — because they think you have the talent — but it means nothing if you don’t use that talent.
We will evaluate each player during practice and see how they progress. Some will show progress sooner than others, but they understand that we will win based on what is done in practice, and not where we are picked before the season starts. It is an honor to be picked as one of the top teams in the league, but it means nothing until you go out and play.